Question: Where should I keep a hatchling snapping turtle ?

Answer: Individual hatchlings of either species, common and alligator snapping turtles, can be easily kept in small, even 10 gallon aquariums for the first few months of their lives. For someone who has decided to keep them as pets it is wise to invest in larger enclosure though. A 30 gallon tank should be sufficient for the first year, but a 50 gallon would be a better and longer lasting investement. Water for hatchlings should be only a couple inches deep to make it easy for them to reach the surface and breathe. The housung should also have a heater, a filter and some rocks and a basking light for the turtles to climb and dry theselves. A larger number of snapper hatchlings should be kept in larger enclosures. They need space for 'privacy' and in too small environment they will start nipping at each other. To read more about snapping turtle hatchlings please click here Thanks for asking! Stan

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